TOUR BROCHURE

JOURNEYS DISPATCHES

Experience stunning scenery and four World Heritage sites as you cruise ancient trade routes from the Mediterranean to the Atlantic. In magical Barcelona, board the Tere Moana (formerly Le Levant), and cruise out to two of the enchanting Balearic Islands. Here, you'll tour the port of Palma de Mallorca, with its magnificent cathedral and medieval Old City, as well as Ibiza's Renaissance Old Town. Enjoy a full-day excursion to the regal city of Granada to visit the Alhambra and Generalife, masterpieces of Moorish art, architecture, and gardens. Then round the southern point of Andalusia to stand on the "Top of the Rock" and imagine the Pillars of Hercules spanning the scenic Strait of Gibraltar. From here, sail up Spain's legendary Guadalquivir River into the heart of beautiful Seville, and visit the Moorish Royal Palace (or Alcazar). Then travel to lesser-traveled ports in Portugal's Algarve region before concluding your cruise in historic Lisbon. Optional extensions to Lisbon and Barcelona are also offered.

Itinerary Day 1 — U.S.
Depart the U.S.

Day 2— Barcelona, Spain
Arrive and transfer to the Five-Star M.V. Tere Moana. The ship departs Barcelona this evening. Join the Captain for a special Welcome Reception and dinner on board. (L,R,D)

Day 3— Palma de Mallorca, Balearic Islands
The imposing citadel overlooking the harbor was converted into the Spanish royal Almudaina Palace in the 13th century. See the magnificent sandstone Palma Cathedral, begun in 1230 and constructed over 300 years; it represents the fullest flowering of the Catalan Gothic style. Early-20th‑century renovations to its interior by the famed architect Antoni Gaudí produced a uniquely harmonious blend of old and new.

This afternoon join the optional visit to the famous Carthusian Monastery in Valldemossa, the former residence of composer Frederick Chopin. Then, continue to Son Marroig, a beautiful 16th‑century estate perched high above the sea and that once belonged to the Archduke of Austria, Luis Salvador of Habsburg. Tour the mansion and its romantic gardens with pavilions and gates, greenhouses, grottoes, pagodas and balconies overlooking the dramatic Na Foradada Peninsula. (B,L,D)

Day 4— Ibiza, Balearic Islands
Be on deck as we approach the Mediterranean island of Ibiza, a spectacular World Heritage site not often visited by Americans. Visit the well-preserved walled Old Town and tour the island’s Renaissance fortifications and the historic Las Salinas reserve, where the Carthaginians began extracting salt from the sea over 2,000 years ago. (B,L,D)

Day 5 — Motril for Granada
Call in Motril for the excursion to Granada, scenically located atop three hills framed by the dramatic backdrop of the snow‑clad Sierra Nevada Mountains. From here, monarchs of the Nasrid Dynasty ruled for 250 years over the last Muslim kingdom in Spain, leaving a priceless architectural legacy. Visit the World Heritage site of the Alhambra. Walk through its outer precincts, admire the genius of medieval Moorish craftsmen within, and then, stroll through its beautifully landscaped gardens. Return to the ship this afternoon. (B,L,D)

Day 6 —Gibraltar, British Crown Colony
The southernmost tip of the Iberian Peninsula, Gibraltar was considered by the ancient Greeks and Romans to be one of the two Pillars of Hercules, marking the then boundary of the known world. Drive to the “Top of the Rock,” the 1,400‑foot‑high limestone promontory guarding the strait that separates Europe and Africa. Observe the amusing antics of Gibraltar’s Barbary apes, the only colony of wild monkeys in Europe. See the Atlas Mountains across the strait and the impressive geological wonders in St. Michael’s Cave.

Enjoy an afternoon excursion to the Great Siege Tunnels, excavated by British army engineers in the late 18th century to defend the colony from Spain and France. (B,L,D)

Day 7— Guadalquivir River, Spain/Seville—Andalusia
Enjoy the unique experience of cruising up the legendary Guadalquivir River into the heart of extraordinary Seville, Andalusia’s lively capital. Drive along Colón Avenue, lined with typical Sevillana houses, to the neoclassical Maestranza bullring (the largest in Spain) and the Golden Tower, a remnant of Seville’s Moorish fortifications. Walk through Santa Cruz Quarter, the old part of the city, a gleaming maze of white houses and flower‑filled patios.

Tour the Alcázar, a World Heritage site featuring the distinctive 14th‑century, Mudéjar‑style former residence of Seville’s Moroccan and Spanish rulers. The magnificent Cathedral is a classic example of late Gothic architecture and is Europe’s third‑largest Christian house of worship after St. Peter’s in Rome and St. Paul’s in London. Inside, view the monument to Christopher Columbus, whose remains were transported here from Havana in 1902. (B,L,D)

Day 8 — Portimão, Portugal—the Algarve
Arrive on Portugal’s charming, sun-washed southern coast in Portimão in the historic province of Algarve. Settled in ancient times by the Phoenicians and Romans, it was later ruled by the Moors, and today its Moorish heritage survives in the distinctive architecture and savory regional cuisine. During the 15th and 16th centuries, intrepid Portuguese mariners set sail from the Algarve’s shores on voyages of discovery that eventually circled the globe before triumphantly returning to Lisbon. From here, visit the scenic hilltop village of Alte and see the nearby town of Silves, a medieval center of art, poetry and learning. Walk along the ramparts of the 12th‑century Moorish castle and visit the cathedral, a unique fusion of Romanesque, Gothic, and Baroque architecture.

This evening, attend the Captain’s Farewell Reception. (B,L,R,D)

Day 9 — Lisbon/U.S.
Arrive in Lisbon and disembark the ship. Continue on the Lisbon Post-Cruise Option, or depart for the U.S. (B)

Pre- and Post-Cruise Options and Optional Excursions are available at additional cost. Details will be included with your reservation confirmation.